Rivers Inlet BC Salmon Resort

Rivers Inlet Salmon Resort  - Article from the Salmon and Steelhead Journal

Rivers Inlet, British Columbia

Big fish notwithstanding, Rivers Inlet has a history unlike few other fisheries in North America. Not only do you stand to catch a trophy salmon that weighs upwards of 50 pounds, but Rivers Inlet was the first place on the central coast of British Columbia to have a cannery built on its shores. And that is exactly where Good Hope Cannery has sat the past 150 years.

Today, Good Hope is a walk back in time. The original structure remains with some modern updates, of course. New owner Tony Allard recently purchased the lodge with the intent to keep the original cannery equipment and display it so his guests can take in the history of Rivers Inlet. It’s truly a walk back in time.

Allard also made sure that the fishing experience remained first rate. And then some. He’s brought in brand new Ironwood Boats complete with T-tops. His self-guided boats are 20-foot Ironwoods with 90-horsepower Yamahas and each boat comes equipped with a GPS Unit. His guide boats are 25-foot Ironwoods with a little more get up and go. Fishing tackle includes an Islander Reel on every custom-wrapped rod. Allard has even made sure that his guests fish with the best raingear, boots and inflatable PFDs. No stone is left unturned.

The accommodations and meals are equally impressive. Rooms have been restored in the spirit of the cannery and the linens are five-star hotel quality. That may not sound like a big deal, until you crawl into a bed with 500-thread count sheets. There is a lounge complete with leather furniture and memorabilia from days gone bay. It’s complete with a full service bar and a game room on site for the kids. (Yes, the place is kid friendly).

And don’t forget about the fishing. Being located in the middle of the inlet is key. You can run to the head of Rivers Inlet, or to the mouth where you can fish the lower inlet or in the ocean and still be back at the lodge for lunch without missing a beat.  And the meals are as good as you’ll find. So is the service. With a staff of 32, and a maximum number of 30 guests per week, it’s not unrealistic to think your every need will be met. And what makes it even that much more attractive is that it doesn’t cost much more to fish here than other lodges. Allard is looking at his investments as long term knowing that quality will outlast and impress even the most discerning guest. There’s no reason to think otherwise.

- Pat Hoglund

More Info: Call 800-665-0613. Web: www.goodhopecannery.com